Salem Man Charged with Meth Manufacturing

October 29, 2016

A 30-year-old Salem man has been formally charged in Marion County Court in the aftermath of a meth lab allegedly being found in his vehicle in rural Salem Thursday night.

Brenton Beard of North Broadway had bond set at $150,000 after being charged with a Class X felony of aggravated participation in meth manufacturing and a Class 2 felony charge of possession of meth manufacturing materials. He’s accused of producing 15 to 100 grams of a substance containing meth within 1,000 feet of a church. If found guilty of the Class X offense, Beard is eligible for a special sentencing range of 9 to 40 years and a fine not to exceed $200,000.

Marion County Sheriff’s Deputies say Beard was arrested after they were called to a suspicious vehicle in the Bethlehem Baptist Church parking lot at 4100 Church Road south of Salem. Upon arrival, the vehicle was spotted behind the church. It was reportedly putting out a strong odor. After stopping the vehicle, the deputy saw several items used in the manufacture of meth. Beard allegedly responded in the positive when asked if there was a meth lab in the vehicle. At that point, the State Police Meth Response Team was called to clean up the vehicle.

Beard had the public defender appointed to represent him. A preliminary hearing was set for November 22nd.